Election Defenders 2026 is a nonpartisan initiative of The Love Center (TLC) focused on voter protection, democratic preparedness, and community resilience across the South. Rooted in Montgomery, Alabama, Election Defenders partners with trusted state and local organizations to help communities protect voters and respond to democratic threats with safety, dignity, and joy.
Election Defenders Trainers will facilitate voter protection and preparedness trainings for partner organizations and their volunteer networks across the South.
Our training is rooted in voter care, situational awareness, de-escalation, preparedness, safety, dignity, and joy. Trainers will help participants build practical skills for supporting voters and responding appropriately to challenging situations at or around polling locations.
Experienced facilitators with deep familiarity within Southern communities and a willingness to travel across the region are preferred.
Participate in required Election Defenders onboarding and train-the-trainer sessions.
Deliver a minimum of four Election Defenders trainings virtually and/or in person across participating Southern states.
Facilitate curriculum covering mind-body preparation, situational awareness, voter care, de-escalation, safe intervention, documentation and reporting, and state-specific election practices.
Facilitate role plays, scenarios, discussions, and other interactive exercises that allow participants to practice Election Defender skills.
Review curriculum and partner-specific materials and participate in preparation calls before assigned trainings.
Familiarize yourself with relevant state-specific election rules and practices included in assigned trainings.
Create welcoming and participatory training environments grounded in care, dignity, safety, and joy.
Deliver the Election Defenders curriculum consistently while adapting facilitation appropriately for different audiences and communities.
Participate in trainer debriefs and provide feedback on curriculum, participant questions, and emerging training needs.
Build positive and professional relationships with partner organizations and participants.
Incorporate coaching and feedback from the Training Director into future trainings.
Strong candidates will bring:
At least 3 years of experience facilitating trainings, workshops, political education, organizing meetings, or leadership development.
Experience in electoral organizing, civic engagement, racial justice, labor, reproductive justice, community organizing, or related movement work.
Strong public-speaking and facilitation skills.
Comfort facilitating interactive exercises, scenarios, and role plays.
Ability to engage participants with different backgrounds and levels of experience.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to receive and incorporate coaching and feedback.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently, including across state lines, to facilitate assigned trainings throughout the South.
Deep familiarity with Southern communities and organizing environments.
Commitment to racial, economic, and democratic justice.
Experience with de-escalation, election protection, nonviolent direct action, voter engagement, popular education, somatics, conflict transformation, or safety training is strongly preferred.